From Johnathan Thurston's grand final field goal to NSW winning an Origin series, Ben Cummins has enjoyed a front-row seat at many of the NRL's iconic moments.
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Now the Canberra referee will create some history of his own on Sunday when he becomes just the sixth whistle-blower to reach a triple-century of NRL games.
Cummins, who'll take charge for Canterbury's clash with Manly at ANZ Stadium, says soaking up the scenes of a decider iced by Thurston helps make the tough and thankless job of officiating a game of rugby league enjoyable.
"I was at the Roosters today and saw Andrew Johns and was remembering I was there for his last game," Cummins said.
"I refereed Cronulla last week in Paul Gallen's 300th, then there was the Cowboys' grand final victory in 2015. They're the special moments you want to be a part of.
"One thing with refereeing is you're always reflecting on your career. Unfortunately the negatives are mainly what you remember... but as you get older you appreciate the experience more."
The 43-year-old was born in Cairns but moved to Canberra aged four and called the capital home for 24 years.
He cut his teeth as a 17-year-old in Canberra's junior rugby league competitions, while studying primary school teaching at the Australian Catholic University before moving to Sydney in 2003.
The move came after referees boss Tony Archer had convinced Cummins to move to Sydney to bolster his NRL dream. He had never refereed in a Canberra first-grade decider, so quick was his rise.
The father of four, who has officiated in 14 State of Origins, including NSW's famous 2014 win, and four grand finals, is a proud man after the 14 years that have passed since the move.
"I am very happy with what I have achieved," Cummins said.
"Taking part in State of Origins and grand finals is what every young referee aspires to. It's a dream to be involved in just one in your career.
"[Refereeing] is a tough gig ... Sometimes you don't feel that strong, especially when you're in the moment and you're being criticised. I remember times like the sin-binning in Brisbane [of Matt Gillett in 2015], and it shouldn't have been a sin-bin, where I sort of went into hiding.
"When you make a big blunder you get down on yourself. There are things you do that you're ashamed of and some mistakes are publicly covered on the back pages."
Cummins says it's not only being involved in moments like the climax of the Cowboys-Broncos grand final that keep him ticking, but "having pride in what you do".
The former primary school teacher made his NRL debut in 2006 in a Cowboys-Panthers clash in North Queensland.
He earned his first NRL grand final appointment in the 2012 decider between the Storm and Bulldogs in which he refereed alongside Archer.
Cummins will join the esteemed company of former referees Bill Harrigan (393 games), Col Pearce (340), Shayne Hayne (328), Steve Clark (314) and Gavin Badger (301) when he runs out for the ANZ clash on Sunday.
